Camden had never seen Kyle look so excited. He didn’t know if that would make what he was about to say easier or harder. “Lach and I have been talking. We’re both blown away with how well you’re handling the dogs, and the owners, truth be told.”
Kyle’s enthusiasm faded. “I hear a ‘but’ in there.”
“Not a ‘but’ so much as a decision. We want to keep you with training and handling the dogs. We think that’s where your greatest strength lies. So, we’re promoting you to Kennel Master. Congratulations.” Camden stuck out his hand. Kyle took it and they shook.
“Thanks. But I think I know what this means. No bodyguard duty.”
Camden nodded.
“You don’t trust me.”
Shit. Not the reaction I wanted. “That’s not it at all, man. If we didn’t trust you, you think you’d be working here at all? With the dogs, with Lach’s sainted pooch, Sam? Hell, no. Lach wants the strongest team possible for Watchdog. We all have our different strengths, and nobody beats your mad skills with the dogs.”
Kyle looked toward the obstacle courses. His jaw tightened, then relaxed. He took a deep breath, held it, then exhaled. Finally, he nodded to himself as if he’d come to some internal agreement. “Okay, then.” He looked Camden in the eye. “Thanks, boss.”
“You earned it, man.” Camden tagged Kyle on the shoulder. “Hope you get to adopt Camo soon.”
“Me too.”
Camden took a deep breath. “Can I ask why it’s so important to you to do the bodyguard work when you’re so good with the dogs?”
Kyle’s mouth tightened. “I just want to prove myself,” he finally said.
“Spoken like a true SEAL. But you’ve got nothing to prove to us. You’re solid, man.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” Though Kyle’s body language said otherwise. The kid was wound up, fighting some private demon inside.
Aren’t we all?Camden thought.
Sixteen
Elena couldn’t quite shake her uneasiness about seeing Larry at Delia’s when Camden called her cell at the end of the day.
“Hey! You must have read my mind. I literally just turned my phone back on.”
“You still at work?” Camden’s characteristically cheerful voice held the faintest undertone of concern.What’s that about, Elena wondered.
“Just got to my car, on my way to pick Tina up from aftercare. How are you?”
“Great. Get the Mermaid and I’ll be by with dinner.”
Elena started her car and the phone connected to the radio. “You don’t sound great, Cam, you sound a little worried. What’s up?”
After a pause, he said, “Damn, you already know me too well. Yeah, okay, something’s up. We need to talk tonight, for real.” His voice lightened up. “Even if that means I have to wear a blindfold and tie my hands behind my back to keep from getting distracted by you.”
Elena laughed. “Um, that sounds more kinky than anything else.Imight get distracted if you do that.”
“You aren’t making this any easier, Gorgeous.” His growly voice filled the car. She shifted in her seat, wishing she was already at home, talk over, Tina sound asleep, and Camden…
Do I want him in my bed? After all this time of being alone?She had last night, but it was hard to think straight when his fingers were sending her over the edge. Though, if her racing heart and lightly sweating palms were any indications, then yes, she did want him in her bed.
“Give me an hour because I need to get Tina, then I need to—”
“Old Tobes and I will be waiting in the lobby for you.”
Again, the alarm bells went off in Elena’s gut.Dammit. “Camden? What’s going on?”
“Just excited to see you and talk to you, Gorgeous. How long does it take to get Tina and get home?”
